Citation Information :
Dhankhar S, Rohilla R, Sharma PK, Beniwal D, Singh A. Outcome of Isolated Eccentric Exercise Therapy in Sports Persons with Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2024; 58 (2):69-73.
Objective: To evaluate the outcome of an isolated eccentric exercise (EE) program in sports persons with rotator cuff (RC) tendinopathy.
Materials and methods: This prospective study enrolled 40 sports persons with a mean age of 26.4 years having shoulder pain with confirmed RC tendinopathy on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) presenting to the sports injury care center, who were managed with isolated eccentric therapy and stretching exercises. These were managed by routine stretching exercises along with isolated eccentric home-based therapy for 3 months. Functional outcomes were measured as Constant-Murley score (CMS) and disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score while pain was measured as visual analog scale (VAS) score considered as primary outcomes. Other outcomes were measured as secondary outcomes including a range of movements of the shoulder and isometric abduction strength at 45° in the scapular plane by manual hand dynamometer [handheld dynamometer (HHD)] and shoulder range of motion (ROM) (forward elevation, abduction, and external rotation). All the parameters were evaluated at serial intervals including at presentation and at 3 and 6 months of follow-up visits.
Results: With respect to the decline in VAS ratings and DASH score, as well as the large increase in the CMS, there was a considerable improvement in pain and functional results. Mild degression of functional parameters was observed between 3 and 6 months but insignificant biostatistically. Overall muscle strength was improved significantly at the final follow-up than the first presentation.
Conclusion: Isolated EE therapy along with stretching is effective in the treatment of sports persons with RC tendinopathy.
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